Welding system with power line communication

ABSTRACT

Various welding systems that provide communication over auxiliary or weld power lines are provided. The disclosed embodiments may include a multi-process welding power supply that is communicatively coupled to a pendant via an auxiliary conduit that facilitates the exchange of data and power between components of the welding system. In some embodiments, the pendant may also include auxiliary outlets that allow an operator to power auxiliary devices at the weld location. The disclosed embodiments further include a pendant with a wire spool and wire feeder drive circuitry that is configured to activate spooling during MIG welding. Embodiments are provided that also allow for bidirectional data communication over a power line in networked welding systems.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Non-Provisional patent application of U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 61/247,396, entitled “Welding Systemwith Power Line Communication”, filed Sep. 30, 2009, which is hereinincorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

The invention relates generally to welding systems, and moreparticularly to welding systems with power line communication.

Traditional single process welding systems support a variety ofprocesses, such as metal inert gas (MIG) welding, tungsten inert gas(TIG) welding, stick welding, and so forth, which may operate indifferent modes, such as constant current or constant voltage. Suchwelding systems typically include a single output connection and,therefore, are configured to support a single process at a time. Incontrast to these single process welding systems, multi-process weldingsystems may connect to and support multiple processes at the same time.

Certain multi-process welding applications, such as coal-fired boilerrepair, shipyard work, and so forth, may position a welding location orworkpiece large distances from a multi-process welding power source. Thepower source provides conditioned power for the welding application, andthe welder must pull and monitor a long welding power cable extendingfrom the power source to the welding location. In such applications,changing welding processes and settings traditionally requires a manualadjustment to a knob or switch on or proximate to the welding powersource, and even connection of entirely different welding cables to thesource, particularly when the welder uses stick or MIG processes forsome of the work, and a TIG process for other work, typically finer ormore intricate tasks. Furthermore, the welder often uses auxiliarydevices, such as lights and electric grinders, at the location of theweld. However, the auxiliary outlets that support such devices arelocated on the power supply. Accordingly, the location of powerterminals (e.g., plugs) and controls on or proximate to the weldingpower source may require the user to stop welding and return to thepower source to plug in auxiliary devices, make changes to the weldingprocess, and so forth. In many applications, this may entail walkingback considerable distances, through sometimes complex and intricatework environments.

Accordingly, there exists a need for systems and methods for providingmore convenient power and control functionalities in multi-processwelding systems, particularly in environments where the weldingoperation is carried out at a considerable distance from the weldingpower source.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

The present invention provides solutions for such welding applications.In accordance with certain embodiments, welding systems are providedthat offer communication over auxiliary or weld power lines. Thedisclosed embodiments may include a multi-process welding power supplythat is communicatively coupled to a remotely located pendant via anauxiliary conduit that facilitates the exchange of data and powerbetween components of the welding system. In some embodiments, data maybe bidirectionally transferred over an auxiliary power line between thepower supply and the pendant. The pendant may also include auxiliaryoutlets that allow an operator to power auxiliary devices at the weldlocation. The disclosed embodiments may further include a pendant with awire spool and wire feeder drive circuitry that is configured to feedwire during MIG welding.

Furthermore, embodiments are provided that allow for bidirectional datacommunication over a power line in networked welding systems. Controlcircuitry is also provided that may include memory and processingcircuitry and may be located in the power supply, the pendant, or both.

DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the presentinvention will become better understood when the following detaileddescription is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in whichlike characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a diagram of an exemplary welding system having amulti-process power supply and a pendant that bidirectionallycommunicate data over a power line in accordance with aspects of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 is a diagram of the exemplary welding system of FIG. 1 thatincludes multiple gas sources in accordance with aspects of the presentinvention;

FIG. 3 is a diagram of the exemplary welding system of FIG. 1 thatincludes weld receptacles on the pendant in accordance with aspects ofthe present invention;

FIG. 4 is a diagram of the exemplary welding system of FIG. 2 whereinthe pendant includes a wire feeder in accordance with aspects of thepresent invention;

FIG. 5 is a diagram of an exemplary networked welding system includingdata communication over a power line in accordance with aspects of thepresent invention;

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating internal components of an exemplarypendant in accordance with aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an exemplary operator interface that maybe located on a pendant in accordance with aspects of the presentinvention;

FIG. 8 is a side view of an exemplary pendant illustrating placement ofpower receptacles in accordance with aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a diagram of an exemplary welding system including anauxiliary power distribution in accordance with aspects of the presentinvention;

FIG. 10 is a diagram of the welding system of FIG. 9 wherein theauxiliary power distribution unit is located within a distribution boxin accordance with aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a diagram of an exemplary welding system that includescommunication over both an auxiliary power line and a primary power linein accordance with aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a diagram of an exemplary welding system that includescommunication over an auxiliary power line via one or more free standingcommunication power interface modules in accordance with aspects of thepresent invention;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an exemplary weld system that includesone or more junction boxes associated with one or more weld powersupplies in accordance with aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an exemplary pendant in accordance withaspects of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an exemplary operator interface thatmay be located on the pendant of FIG. 14 in accordance with aspects ofthe present invention; and

FIG. 16 illustrates an exemplary operator interface that may be locatedon one or more power supplies associated with the pendant of FIG. 14 inaccordance with aspects of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As discussed in detail below, various embodiments of welding systemsthat provide communication over auxiliary or weld power lines areprovided. Some embodiments include a multi-process welding power supplythat is communicatively coupled to a pendant via an auxiliary conduitthat facilitates the exchange of data and power between components ofthe welding system. In some embodiments, as used herein, the term“pendant’ refers to an auxiliary power and control device that isdesigned to be coupled to a welding power supply to provide power to oneor more auxiliary devices. That is, in embodiments disclosed herein,data may be bidirectionally transferred over an auxiliary power linebetween the power supply and the pendant. The pendant may includeauxiliary outlets that allow an operator to power auxiliary devices atthe weld location as well as an operator interface that allows theoperator to program a welding process, welding parameters, and so forthfrom the location of the weld. The disclosed embodiments further includea pendant with a wire spool and wire feeder drive circuitry that isconfigured to feed wire during MIG welding. Furthermore, embodiments areprovided that allow for bidirectional data communication over a powerline in networked welding systems. In such embodiments, a centralwelding power source may be shared by multiple welding power supplies,which communicate with one or more remote control and monitoringstations over an auxiliary power line.

Control circuitry is provided that may be located in the power supply,the pendant, or both, as also discussed below. The control circuitry mayinclude processing circuitry and memory. The memory may include volatileor non-volatile memory, such as read only memory (ROM), random accessmemory (RAM), magnetic storage memory, optical storage memory, or acombination thereof. Furthermore, a variety of control parameters may bestored in the memory along with code configured to provide a specificoutput (e.g., initiate wire feed, enable gas flow, etc.) to the pendantduring operation. An operator interface located on the power supply, thependant, or both, may allow a user to set the process (e.g., setconstant current, constant voltage, or regulated metal deposition), setthe polarity (e.g., set direct current electrode negative (DCEN) ordirect current electrode positive (DCEP)), enable or disable a wirefeed, and enable or disable gas flow.

Moreover, as noted above, the present techniques may implement powerline communication in at least one, and potentially several ways. Forexample, in some embodiments, the data is transmitted over an“auxiliary” power line between the pendant and the power supply, withthe pendant also allowing for powering of devices such as lights,powered hand tools, and so forth. Secondly, in some applications, datamay be transmitted between power supplies, using a power line as a “databackbone” for the exchange of data that may be used for control and/ormonitoring functions by the different power supplies. Such power linecommunication may be used with or without “auxiliary” power datacommunication, and vice versa. Moreover, some data may also betransmitted over a welding cable along with weld power (i.e., powersignals adapted for creating and sustaining a welding arc between anelectrode and a workpiece). Such data communication is described, forexample, in U.S. Pat. No. 7,180,029 B2, U.S. application Ser. No.11/276,288, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/609,871, and U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/625,357, which are hereby incorporated into thepresent disclosure by reference.

Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a diagram of an exemplary weldingsystem 10 including a multi-process welding power supply 12 inaccordance with aspects of the present invention. The multi-processpower supply 12 is configured to supply power to a plurality of weldingdevices (e.g., MIG torch, TIG torch, stick electrode, etc.) associatedwith a variety of welding processes (e.g., MIG, TIG, stick, etc.). Incertain embodiments, the power supply 12 receives primary power 14 froman alternating current power source (e.g., the AC power grid, anengine/generator set, a battery, or a combination thereof), conditionsthe input power, and provides an output power to one or more weldingdevices in accordance with demands of the system 10. The primary power14 may be supplied from an offsite location (i.e., the primary power 14may originate from a wall outlet). Accordingly, in some embodiments, thepower source 12 may include power conversion circuitry 16 that includescircuit elements such as transformers, rectifiers, switches, and soforth, capable of converting the AC input power to a DCEP or DCEN outputas dictated by the demands of the system 10. Such circuits are generallyknown in the art.

In some embodiments, the power conversion circuitry 16 may be configuredto convert the primary power 14 to both weld and auxiliary poweroutputs. However, in other embodiments, the power conversion circuitry16 may be adapted to convert primary power only to a weld power output,and a separate auxiliary converter may be provided to convert primarypower to auxiliary power. Still further, in some embodiments, the powersupply 12 may be adapted to receive a converted auxiliary power outputdirectly from a wall outlet. Indeed, any suitable power conversionsystem or mechanism may be employed by the power supply 12 to generateand supply both weld and auxiliary power.

The power supply 12 also includes control circuitry 18 that isconfigured to receive and process a plurality of inputs regarding theperformance and demands of the system 10. The control circuitry 18includes processing circuitry 20, memory 22, and a communication powerinterface module 24. The memory 22 may include volatile or non-volatilememory, such as ROM, RAM, magnetic storage memory, optical storagememory, or a combination thereof. Furthermore, a variety of controlparameters may be stored in the memory 22 along with code configured toprovide a specific output (e.g., initiate wire feed, enable gas flow,etc.) during operation. The processing circuitry 20 may also receive aninput from a user interface 26 located on the power supply 12, throughwhich the user may choose a process, and input desired parameters (e.g.,voltages, currents, particular pulsed or non-pulsed welding regimes, andso forth).

The power supply 12 may also include a gas cylinder 28. The gas cylinder28 may supply shielding gases, such as argon, helium, carbon dioxide,and so forth, via hose 30. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, thegas enters gas valving 32 located in the power supply 12. During use,the gas valving 32 modulates the amount of gas supplied to a weldingoperation via gas conduit 34. The gas conduit 34 and a power conduit 36supply a welding device 38 (e.g., TIG torch) with gas and power,respectively. The power conduit 36 transfers the power output by thepower conversion circuitry 16 to the welding device 38 to power thewelding process during operation.

A plurality of conduits 40 couple the power supply 12 to the weldingdevice 38. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of conduits 40is shown as a group of individual connections to the welding device 38.However, it should be noted that in alternate embodiments, the pluralityof conduits 40 may be bundled into a single supply cable that connectsthe power supply 12 to the welding device 38. A lead cable 42terminating in a clamp 44 couples the power conversion circuitry 16 to aworkpiece 46.

In the illustrated embodiment, the power supply 12 is coupled to apendant 48. As used herein, the pendant 48 is a welding control devicedesigned to allow an operator to choose welding processes and settingsfrom a remote location with respect to the power supply 12. The pendant48 is further designed to provide power to one or more auxiliary devices(e.g., lights, hand grinders, etc.) at the location of the weld. Thatis, the pendant 48 provides a user with both remote control of thewelding settings as well as a remote source of auxiliary power.Accordingly, the pendant 48 is coupled to the power source 12 via anauxiliary conduit 50. The auxiliary conduit 50 provides auxiliary powerto the pendant 48 and facilitates bidirectional data exchange betweenthe pendant 48 and the power supply 12. That is, embodiments of thepresent invention allow for data communication over an auxiliary powercable.

In the illustrated embodiment, an auxiliary power line 52 exits thepower conversion circuitry 16 and meets a data stream, as represented byreference numeral 54 that exits the control circuitry 18 at node 56within the power supply 12. Data, therefore, may be transferred from thependant 48 via auxiliary conduit 50 to the communication power interfacemodule 24 in the power supply 12. Data may also be transferred from thecommunication power interface module 24 to the pendant 48 via the samepath. Concurrently, auxiliary power may be transferred from the powerconversion circuitry 16 in the power supply 12 to the pendant 48 viapower line 52 and auxiliary conduit 50. In other words, presentlycontemplated embodiments allow for communication over an existing powerline.

The power line communication circuitry and protocols used for thiscommunication may follow any of several available standards, such asISO/IEC14908.1, available from ECHELON under the commercial designationLONWORKS 2.0. In general, certain such systems will include circuitry atthe power supply configured to modulate data signals and superimpose thedata or otherwise combine the signals with power signals (e.g., ACwaveforms) transmitted to the remote location of the pendant 48 via thepower line 52. The pendant will include complimentary circuitry thatdemodulates the data signals and provides them to processing circuitryconfigured to display, act on, or otherwise use the data signals.Conversely, the pendant circuitry may originate data signals, such asfor changing settings of the power supply, and send these data signalsover the same pendant auxiliary power line to be received and acted uponby the control circuitry of the power supply. In a typical application,the auxiliary power line may transmit 115 V AC power at 60 Hz, althoughother voltages and frequencies may be employed.

In certain embodiments, the pendant 48 may be located in close proximityto the welding operation but distant from the power supply 12. Forinstance, coal-fired boiler welding applications, shipyard applications,construction sites, and so forth, often requires a welding operator tobe located distant from the power supply 12. Since the pendant 48 may belocated close to the weld, the current system 10 may have the effect ofreducing the amount of time and effort that the welding operatortraditionally spends returning from the site of the weld to the powersupply to plug in cords associated with auxiliary devices (e.g., lights,grinders, powered hand tools, etc.).

In the illustrated embodiment, the pendant 48 includes a user interface,through which a user may choose a process (e.g., MIG, TIG, stick, etc.),control the voltage, control the current, power auxiliary devices, andso forth, while remotely located with respect to the power supply unit12. For example, in the embodiment shown, the user may plug in auxiliarydevices, such as a light 58 or a hand grinder 60, into the pendant 48.Accordingly, the auxiliary power supplied to the pendant via auxiliaryconduit 50 may be used to power such devices in a location proximate tothe welding operation. The foregoing feature may have the effect ofreducing the length of extension cables 62 and 64 as compared totraditional systems, since the light 58 and the grinder 60 deriveauxiliary power from the pendant 48, which is close to the location ofthe weld, and not from the power supply 12, which may be distant fromthe weld. In addition to the user interface, in some embodiments, thependant 48 may also include processing circuitry that receives inputsfrom the power supply 12 and the user interface, processes the inputs,and generates output data that may be communicated back to the powersupply 12 over the auxiliary conduit 50.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the single gas source 28 andthe single gas conduit 34 provide the means for the gas to betransferred from the power supply 12 to the welding device 38 if gas issuitable for the given welding process. In the embodiments illustratedin FIGS. 2, 3, and 4, however, a second gas supply 66 supplies a secondgas to the gas valving 32 via a second gas conduit 68. In theseembodiments, gas conduit 34 is routed from the power supply 12 to aremote box 72, which supplies the gas suitable for the welding operationbeing performed to the welding device. The gas valving 32 located in thepower supply 12 modulates the release of the proper gas for a givenoperation. That is, the gas valving 32 may include directional controlvalving that selects gas source 28 or gas source 66 depending upon theactive or selected process. Additionally, the gas line 34 may be purgedwhen the system switches between the first gas supply 28 and the secondgas supply 66. It should be noted that in other embodiments, anadditional gas line may be routed from the gas valving 32 to the remotebox 72 such that each gas source 28 or 66 is transported to the box 72via a separate gas line.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the weld power cable 36 and thegas cable 34 are routed to the remote box 72. Multiple welding devices,such as the first welding device 38 (e.g., a TIG torch) and a secondwelding device (e.g., a stick stinger) 75 may be plugged into the remotebox 72 to access power and gas as necessary for the welding operation.In some embodiments, multiple welding devices may be plugged into theremote box 72 simultaneously. However, the only active device is the onenecessary for the welding operation selected by the operator on theinterface located on the pendant 48. For example, in the illustratedembodiment, both TIG torch 38 and stick stinger 75 may be plugged intothe remote box 72 at the same time. However, only TIG torch 38 is activefor use with the workpiece 46 if a user selects the TIG process from theinterface on the pendant 48. It should be noted that in the illustratedembodiments, gas conduit 34 and power conduit 36 are shown as separateconnections to the remote box 72. In further embodiments, the pluralityof conduits 34 and 36, may be bundled together in a single supply cable,as indicated by reference numeral 76. In alternate embodiments, the gasconduit 34 may include a plurality of gas conduits (e.g., one gasconduit dedicated to each type of gas supplied) bundled together in asingle supply cable, and the weld power conduit 36 may be separate. FIG.3 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the system 10 shown in FIGS. 1and 2. In this embodiment, both the auxiliary conduit 50 and the weldpower conduit 36 are routed into pendant 48. Accordingly, the weldingdevice 38 (e.g., TIG torch) may be connected to cable 70 and pluggedinto the pendant 48. Certain embodiments may support multiple weldingdevices (e.g., MIG torches, stick stingers, etc.) that operate atdifferent polarities (e.g., DCEN or DCEP). For example, in oneembodiment, multiple welding devices may be plugged into the pendant 48,but only one device may be active at a given time. That is, only thedevice designed for use with the process selected by the operator may bein use. In the illustrated embodiment, data may be communicated overpower line 50, power conduit 36, or both. That is, the illustratedembodiment provides for communication over an auxiliary power line, aweld power line, or both.

In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, a wire feeder (notshown) for use with MIG welding operations may be a stand-alone unitlocated in close proximity to the pendant 48. In alternate embodiments,the wire feeder may be located in or on the pendant 48, or, asillustrated in FIG. 4, the pendant itself may be incorporated within awire feeder 78. In such an embodiment, a wire spool 80 feeds wire 82into a wire feeder driver 84, which contains circuitry that initiates awire feed to the MIG torch 74 during MIG welding operations. In thisembodiment, the auxiliary devices 58 and 60 as well as the weldingdevices 38 and 74 may be plugged into the wire feeder 78. As before, theauxiliary conduit 50 provides auxiliary power for the auxiliary devices58 and 60 and facilitates bidirectional communication over the powerline between the power supply 12 and the wire feeder 78 while powerconduit 36 provides weld power for welding devices 38 and 74. It shouldbe noted that the weld power supplied over the power conduit 36 may beDCEP or DCEN as dictated by the demands of the system.

The embodiments of FIGS. 1-4 illustrate bidirectional data communicationbetween a single power supply and a single pendant over an auxiliarypower line. FIG. 5 illustrates a further embodiment of the presentinvention that includes such communication over a power line but in anetworked welding system 86. For illustrative purposes, the shownembodiment includes a first welding power supply 88 and a second weldingpower supply 90. However, it should be noted that in other embodiments,any number of power supplies suitable for the welding application may beused with the present invention. For example, in one embodiment, onlyone power supply may be included. In such an embodiment, the powersupply 88 and the remote control and/or monitoring station 98 maybidirectionally exchange data over the backbone 96. A common powersource, e.g., the AC power grid, an engine/generator set, a battery, ora combination thereof, supplies primary power 92 to each of the powersupplies (e.g., 88 and 90) in the network via power conduit 94 thatsupplies power to backbone 96 (e.g., a power line mains interface). Theprimary power source may be located in close proximity to or remote fromone or more of the welding power supplies. The primary power 92 may besupplied from an offsite location (i.e., the primary power 92 mayoriginate from a wall outlet in the plant).

One or more remote control and monitoring stations 98 transmits andreceives data signals to and from the backbone 96 to facilitatecommunication both to and from the power supplies 88, 90. That is, thebackbone 96 provides a means for both communication and powertransmission to the networked welding system 86. In other words, acentralized backbone allows for communication over a power line to thepower supplies. In some embodiments, the remote control and monitoringstations 98 may be configured to connect to an external network suchthat information may be bidirectionally communicated between thestations 98 and one or more external devices. Accordingly, the remotecontrol and monitoring stations 98 may include hubs, switches, routers,repeaters, gateways, or a combination thereof.

In the illustrated embodiment, the welding power supplies 88, 90 includea communication power interface module 100, which is configured to send,receive and process instructions transmitted via the backbone 96 fromthe remote control and monitoring station 98. Each power supply 88, 90also includes conversion circuitry 102, through which the incoming poweris routed. The conversion circuitry 102 may include circuit elements,such as transformers, rectifiers, switches, and so forth, capable ofconverting the input power to suitable output power. For example, thepower conversion circuitry 102 may convert incoming power to a DCEP orDCEN output as dictated by the demands of the system. Such conversioncircuitry 102 may supply a weld power output 104 and an auxiliary poweroutput 106. The weld power output 104 may be supplied to a weldingdevice (e.g., a MIG torch, a TIG torch, a stick stinger) for use in awelding operation. Similarly, the auxiliary power output 106 may besupplied to auxiliary devices, such as lights and hand grinders, for useduring the welding operation. A common ground output 108 may also extendfrom each power supply 88, 90 to close the welding circuit.

FIG. 6 illustrates internal components that may be included in thependant 48 of FIGS. 1-4. It should be noted that FIG. 6 illustrates oneexemplary embodiment of the pendant 48, and that in further embodiments,more or fewer components may be included. In the illustrated embodiment,the pendant 48 includes power receptacles 110, processing circuitry 112,memory 114, a communication power interface module 116, and an operatorinterface 118. The power receptacles 110 provide a means for theoperator to plug in auxiliary devices, such as lights and hand grinders,to receive auxiliary power during operation. Three power receptacles 110are illustrated in FIG. 6. However, in other embodiments, any number ofpower receptacles 110 may be provided. The communication power interfacemodule 116 receives both the incoming power from the power line and theincoming data transmitted over the power line. The communication powerinterface module 116 further routes the power to the power receptacles110 and the data to the processing circuitry 112. The processingcircuitry 112 receives and processes the incoming data transmitted viathe auxiliary conduit 50 extracted by the communication power interfacemodule. The operator interface 118 also generates data that correspondsto instructions received via operator interaction with the interface118. This data is also received and processed by the processingcircuitry 112. Accordingly, the processing circuitry 112 bidirectionallycommunicates with memory 114 to store and retrieve information asdictated by the demands of the system. Power conversion circuitry 119may also be provided in the remote device 48 for the conversion of powerto a level appropriate for use by the components of the remote device48. That is, in one embodiment, the power conversion circuitry 119 mayderive power from the incoming line 50 and convert it to an outputappropriate for powering the processing circuitry 112, memory 114, andoperator interface 118 components.

In certain embodiments, when the auxiliary conduit 50 is connectedbetween the power supply 12 and the pendant 48, the control circuitry 18may disable controls located on the user interface 26 located on thepower supply that are redundant with controls on the operator interface118 that is located on the pendant 48. In this way, activation of thependant 48 and its associated operator interface 118 leads todeactivation of similar controls located on the power supply unit 12such that all process control selection is relegated to the pendant 48during operation.

One embodiment of the pendant 48 including an exemplary operatorinterface 118 and the power receptacles 110 is shown in FIG. 7. Thependant 48 receives power from the welding power supply 12 and transmitsdata over the auxiliary conduit 50. The operator interface 118 includesa plurality of buttons 120 that may be programmed to allow the user tochange a variety of application specific parameters. For instance, theplurality of buttons 120 may include an output on/off button, a processbutton, a wire button, a gas button, and so forth. The operatorinterface 118 also includes a setup button 122 that the operator may useto set parameters associated with the chosen weld process. For example,in one embodiment, the user may press the setup button 122, andsubsequently use adjustment knobs 124 and 126 to set parameters such aswire feed speed, type of gas, voltage, current, and so forth. Buttons120 and 122 cooperate with display panels 128 and 130 to communicateoptions and choices with the user. For example, adjustment knob 124 maybe used in conjunction with panel 128, and adjustment knob 126 may beused in conjunction with panel 130. For further example, the displaypanel 128 may be used to display the chosen weld polarity and process.In such an embodiment, the panel 128 may read +EP STICK, indicating thatthe user has chosen a DCEP polarity for a stick welding process. Forfurther example, the display panel 130 may be used to display the typeof information associated with a given process. In such an embodiment,the panel 130 may read VOLTS, AMPS, ARC LNGTH, ARC CONTRL, WIRE, GAS,and so forth. For further example, the display panels 128 and 130 may beused to display numerical values of weld parameters (e.g., a number thatshow the actual arc length).

FIG. 8 illustrates a side panel 132 of the pendant 48 that includes thepower receptacles 110. The power receptacles 110 are configured tosupply auxiliary power, such as 60 Hz single phase power, which may beused to power auxiliary devices associated with the welding operation.The side panel may also include a reset button 134, which may be used toensure electrical protection of the pendant 48 and/or the auxiliarydevices. For example, if a ground fault is detected by circuitry in thependant 48, the reset button 134 may pop out, rendering the outletsinactive and alerting the operator. The operator may subsequently pressthe reset button 134 to reset the receptacles 110 and resume operation.

The embodiments of the pendant 48 illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8illustrate a “smart” pendant that includes many of the presentlycontemplated functionalities. However, it should be noted that in otherembodiments the pendant 48 may include fewer functionalities. Forinstance, in one embodiment, the pendant 48 may not include interface118. In such an embodiment, accessories such as a foot pedal may replacethe illustrated interface as the operator interface. For instance, apotentiometer located in the foot pedal may allow the operator tocontrol the amount of amps supplied to the welding process beingperformed. In fact, in some embodiments, such accessories (e.g., thefoot pedal) may be the pendant 48. That is, 115V auxiliary power mayenter the pendant 48 but may not be supplied to auxiliary devices at thelocation of the weld. However, data regarding operator input may stillbe exchanged with the power supply via the auxiliary power line. Thatis, in certain embodiments, the pendant 48 may not deliver auxiliarypower but information may still be transmitted down the auxiliary powerline.

FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate further embodiments of the power linecommunication disclosed herein. FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate weldingsystems that include a plurality of welding power supplies, e.g., afirst weld power supply 138 and a second weld power supply 140. Itshould be noted that although only two weld power supplies areillustrated, in other embodiments, any number of weld power supplies maybe included. A common power source, e.g., the AC power grid, anengine/generator set, a battery, or a combination thereof, suppliesprimary power 142 to each of the power supplies 138 and 140 in thenetwork via power lines 144 and 146, respectively. The power source maybe located in close proximity to or remote from one or more of thewelding power supplies. As before, the primary power 142 may be suppliedfrom an offsite location and may be supplied onsite via a wall outlet.In the illustrated embodiment, the welding power supplies 138 and 140include conversion circuitry 148, through which the incoming primarypower is routed. The conversion circuitry 148 may include circuitelements, such as transformers, rectifiers, switches, and so forth,capable of converting the input power to suitable output weld power. Forexample, the power conversion circuitry 148 may convert incoming powerto a DCEP or DCEN output as dictated by the demands of the system. Suchconversion circuitry 148 may supply a weld power output 104. The weldpower output 104 may be supplied to a welding device (e.g., a MIG torch,a TIG torch, a stick stinger) for use in a welding operation. A commonground output 108 may also extend from each power supply 138 and 140 toclose the welding circuit.

The primary power 142 is also supplied to an auxiliary power conversionunit 150 located in a receiving and transmitting (RT) unit 152 via powerline 154. In some embodiments, the RT unit 152 may be located in closeproximity to a rack of weld power supplies, e.g., 138 and 140. Theauxiliary power conversion unit 150 is configured to receive primarypower at a high voltage and output auxiliary power at a lower voltage.Accordingly, the auxiliary power conversion unit 150 may includecircuitry, such as transformers, configured to step down the voltage ofthe incoming power. The RT unit 152 also includes a plurality ofcommunication power interface modules 100, which are configured totransmit, receive, and process data transmitted to and from an auxiliarypower distribution unit 156 via auxiliary power line 158. That is,presently contemplated embodiments provide for data communication overpower line 158.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9, as before, one or more remotelylocated pendants 48, 48′ are designed to allow an operator to choosewelding processes and settings from a remote location with respect tothe power supplies 138, 140. However, in this embodiment, a plurality ofpendants, as represented by two pendants 48 and 48′ but not meant tolimit the invention, may be plugged into the central auxiliary powerconversion unit 156. The pendants 48, 48′ are still designed to providepower to one or more auxiliary devices 58, 58′, 60, 60′ at the locationof one or more welds. That is, the pendants 48, 48′ provide a user withboth remote control of the welding settings as well as a remote sourceof auxiliary power for one or more welds. For example, pendant 48 may belocated in close proximity to a first weld, and pendant 48′ may belocated in close proximity to a second weld remote from the first weld.

During operation, a first operator may input desired weld settings topendant 48. These weld settings are transmitted via conduit 160 throughthe auxiliary power distribution unit 156, across power line 158,through communication power interface module 100, along data conduit162, and to control circuitry 164 located in power supply 138. In thisway, data may be bidirectionally communicated over power line 160 andpower line 158. Similarly, a second operator may input desired weldsettings to pendant 48′. These weld settings are transmitted via powerline 166 through the auxiliary power distribution unit 156, across powerline 158, through communication power interface module 100, along dataconduit 168, and to control circuitry 164 located in power supply 140.In this way, data may be bidirectionally communicated over power line166 and power line 158.

The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10 operates similarly to that of FIG.9. However, in this embodiment, the auxiliary power distribution unit156 is located in a remote distribution box 172. The remote distributionbox 172 also houses the pendants 48 and 48′. That is, in thisembodiment, the operator interfaces for multiple welding processes maybe located on one central remote box 172. Also, the auxiliary devices58, 58′, 60, 60′ for multiple welding processes may also be plugged intothe central distribution box 172. As before, data is communicated overpower line 158 and transmitted back to the power supplies 138 and 140for processing. Also, in the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10,two power supplies 138 and 140 are shown. However, it should be notedthat in alternate embodiments, more or fewer power supplies may beincluded in the system. For example, in one embodiment, only one powersupply may be included.

FIG. 11 is a diagram of another exemplary welding system includingcommunication over both a primary weld power line and an auxiliary powerline. As before, the primary power 142 may be supplied from an offsitelocation and may be supplied onsite via a wall outlet. Primary power 142is delivered to the welding power supplies 138 and 140 via primary powerline 154. Accordingly, the power supplies 138 and 140 include conversioncircuitry 148, through which the incoming primary power is routed. Suchconversion circuitry 148 may supply a weld power output 104. The weldpower output 104 may be supplied to a welding device (e.g., a MIG torch,a TIG torch, a stick stinger) for use in a welding operation. A commonground output 108 may also extend from each power supply 138 and 140 toclose the welding circuit. In the illustrated embodiment, two powersupplies 138 and 140 are shown. However, it should be noted that inalternate embodiments, more or fewer power supplies may be included inthe system. For example, in one embodiment, only one power supply may beincluded.

The primary power 142 is also supplied to the auxiliary power conversionunit 150 located in the RT unit 152 via primary power line 154. That is,primary power 142 is supplied to both the auxiliary power conversionunit 150 and the power supplies 138 and 140 via power line 154. Asbefore, the auxiliary power conversion unit 150 is configured to receiveprimary power at a high voltage and output auxiliary power at a lowervoltage. The RT unit 152 also includes a first plurality ofcommunication power interface modules 100 and 100′, which are configuredto transmit, receive, and process data transmitted to and from theauxiliary power distribution unit 156 via auxiliary power line 158. Thatis, presently contemplated embodiments provide for data communicationover auxiliary power line 158. Additionally, the RT unit 152 includes asecond plurality of communication power interface modules 174 and 174′configured to receive the data from the first plurality of communicationpower interface modules 100 and 100′ and convert the data to a formsuitable for communication over primary power line 154 for transmissionto power supplies 138 and 140. Accordingly, power supply 138 includes acommunication power interface module 176 configured to transmit,receive, and process data to and from power line 154. Likewise, powersupply 140 includes a communication power interface module 178 thattransmits, receives, and processes data to and from the primary powerline 154.

During operation, a first operator may input desired weld settings topendant 48. These weld settings are transmitted via conduit 160 throughthe auxiliary power distribution unit 156, across power line 158,through communication power interface module 100, through communicationpower interface module 174, along primary power line 154, and to thecommunication power interface module 176 located in power supply 138. Inthis way, data may be communicated both over auxiliary power lines 158and 160 as well as over primary power line 154. Similarly, a secondoperator may input desired weld settings to pendant 48′. These weldsettings are transmitted via power line 166 through the auxiliary powerdistribution unit 156, across power line 158, through communicationpower interface module 100′, through communication power interfacemodule 174′, along primary power line 154, and to the communicationpower interface module 178 located in power supply 140. That is, theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 11 facilitates the bidirectional exchangeof data over both an auxiliary power line as well as a primary weldpower line. The foregoing features may have the effect of enabling theextraction of data regarding weld parameters at a location proximate tothe weld power supplies 138 and 140. That is, presently contemplatedembodiments allow a remotely located user to monitor the welding processwithout additional wires, cables, circuitry, and the like locatedproximate to the welding operation.

FIG. 12 illustrates a welding system 180 that includes a plurality ofwelding power supplies, e.g., the first weld power supply 138 and thesecond weld power supply 140. In other embodiments, any suitable numberof weld power supplies may be included. A common power source, such asthe AC power grid, an engine/generator set, or a battery, suppliesprimary power 142 to each of the power supplies 138 and 140 in thenetwork via power lines 144 and 146, respectively. As before, theprimary power 142 may be supplied from an offsite location and may besupplied onsite via a wall outlet, and the welding power supplies 138and 140 include conversion circuitry 148, through which the incomingprimary power is routed. Such conversion circuitry 148 may supply theweld power output 104. The weld power output 104 may be supplied to awelding device (e.g., a MIG torch, a TIG torch, a stick stinger) for usein a welding operation. A common ground output 108 may also extend fromeach power supply 138 and 140 to close the welding circuit.

The primary power 142 is also supplied to the auxiliary power conversionunit 150 located in the receiving and transmitting (RT) unit 152 viapower line 154. In some embodiments, the RT unit 152 may be located inclose proximity to a rack of weld power supplies, e.g., 138 and 140, andmay include additional components not shown in FIG. 12. As before, theauxiliary power conversion unit 150 is adapted to receive primary powerat a high voltage and output auxiliary power at a lower voltage. In thisembodiment, however, the RT unit 152 is coupled to communication powerinterface modules 100 and 100′, which are configured to transmit,receive, and process data transmitted to and from the power supplies 138and 140 as well as to and from the remotely located pendants 48, 48′.That is, in the illustrated embodiment, the communication powerinterface modules 100 and 100′ are free standing and, accordingly, arenot located in the RT unit 152.

In this embodiment, the plurality of pendants, as represented bypendants 48 and 48′ but not meant to limit the invention, may bedirectly plugged into the communication power interface modules 100 and100′. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the communicationpower interface modules 100 and 100′ are coupled to the pendants 48 and48′ via auxiliary power lines 182 and 184, respectively. However, inthis embodiment, the communication power interface modules 100 and 100′are also coupled to the output of the auxiliary power conversion unit150 via power lines 186 and 188, respectively. As such, thecommunication power interface modules 100 and 100′ are adapted tobidirectionally communicate data over auxiliary power lines 182 and 184to the pendants 48 and 48′. The pendants 48, 48′ are still designed toprovide power to one or more auxiliary devices 58, 58′, 60, 60′ at thelocation of one or more welds. That is, the pendants 48, 48′ provide auser with both remote control of the welding settings as well as aremote source of auxiliary power for one or more welds.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary weld system 190in accordance with aspects of the present invention. The weld system 190includes a plurality of power supplies 138, 140, 192, 194, 196, and 198disposed on a rack 200 adapted to support the power supplies. The weldsystem 190 further includes junction boxes 202, 204, 206, 208, 210, and212 each associated with corresponding power supplies 138, 140, 192,194, 196, and 198, respectively. For example, junction box 202 isassociated with corresponding power supply 138, junction box 204 isassociated with corresponding power supply 140, and so forth. In theillustrated embodiment, the junction boxes are coupled to the rack 200.However, in other embodiments, the junction boxes may be coupled to thepower supplies, disposed on a separate rack, or positioned in any othersuitable location. The weld system 190 further includes the auxiliarypower conversion unit 150 and the pendant 48. In the illustratedembodiment, the auxiliary power conversion unit 150 includes auxiliarypower receptacles 214 disposed thereon.

As shown, the auxiliary power conversion unit 150 is coupled to thefirst junction box 202 via cable 216. The junction box 202 is coupled topower supply 138 via cable 218 and to the pendant 48 via cable 220.Although not shown, the additional auxiliary outlets 214 may be coupledto the remaining junction boxes via additional cables, and the junctionboxes may also be coupled to their corresponding power supplies and tothe pendant via additional cables in further embodiments. Duringoperation, the auxiliary power conversion unit 150 receives power from aprimary power source and converts the primary power to an auxiliarypower output (e.g., 115 volts). The auxiliary power is routed viaauxiliary outlet 214 to the junction box 202 through cable 216. As such,the junction box 202 is adapted to receive the auxiliary power from thecable 216.

In the embodiments illustrated and described herein, the primary poweris converted to auxiliary power in the auxiliary power conversion unit.However, it should be noted that in other embodiments, the auxiliarypower may be generated in and received from a variety of other sources.For example, in one embodiment, the auxiliary power may be received froman outlet disposed in the wall. In such an embodiment, the cable 216 maycouple the junction box directly to a wall outlet configured to deliveran auxiliary output power (e.g., 115 volts).

The junction box 202 is also adapted to transmit and receive controlsignals to and from the power supply 138 via control cable 218. Thejunction box 202 is further configured to couple the received controlsignals to the received auxiliary power and to transmit the auxiliarypower and data to the pendant 48 via cable 220. It should also be notedthat control signals may also be received by the junction box 202 fromthe pendant 48 via cable 220. As such, the junction box 202 may includeany number of suitable components, such as a communication powerinterface module, electrical circuitry, and so forth.

FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the pendant 48that may be employed in the weld system 190 of FIG. 13. As shown, thependant 48 includes an operator interface 222, through which a user maycontrol the welding process. For example, the illustrated operatorinterface 22 includes an ON/OFF button 224, which the user may press toenable or disable the welding output. The user interface 222 alsoincludes a process selection button 226, which the user may press tochange the welding process, e.g., between TIG welding and MIG welding.The user interface further includes a setup button 228, through whichthe operator may control a variety of parameters of the welding process,such as control of the arc, weld characteristics, and so forth. As such,a knob 230 may be used in conjunction with button 228 to change one ormore weld characteristics and/or to change the magnitude of one or moreweld parameters.

The user interface 222 also includes a display panel 232, through whichone or more parameters or values of the welding process may becommunicated to the user. For example, the display panel 232 includes afirst indicator 234 and a second indicator 236. In one embodiment, thefirst indicator 234 may be a light emitting diode (LED) adapted toilluminate when a DCEP weld process is occurring, and the secondindicator 236 may be an LED adapted to illuminate when a DCEN weldprocess is occurring. Still further, the display panel 232 may beconfigured to communicate one or more numerical values via display 238to the user. For example, as the user turns the knob 230 to change aparameter of the welding process, the display 238 may display the valueof the weld parameter (e.g., the voltage or amperage level).

FIG. 16 illustrates an exemplary user interface 240 that may be disposedon the one or more power supplies in accordance with aspects of thepresent invention. The user interface 240 in the illustrated embodimentincludes LEDs 242 positioned by process symbols that are configured toilluminate when a process is selected. In a presently contemplatedembodiment, the user selects a welding process via a knob 244. As theuser turns the knob 244, the LEDs are illuminated, indicating the chosenprocess. A selection panel 246 includes multiple sub-panels that allowthe user to choose the welding process. For instance, in the illustratedembodiment, the selection panel 246 includes a flux core (FCAW) no gaspanel 248, a lift-arc TIG panel 250, a scratch start TIG panel 252, astick panel 254, and a MIG/FCAW with gas panel 256. When the user turnsthe knob 244, LED associated with the panel associated with the suitableprocess is illuminated and the process is initiated. For instance, ifthe user turns knob 244 to the stick panel 254, the stick LED isilluminated, and the power supply receives and processes the stick userselection. Additionally, as the user turns the knob 244, the polarity ofthe chosen process is communicated to the user via the DCEN icon 258 andthe DCEP icon 260.

The user interface 240 also includes a power button 262, through whichthe user may enable or disable the welding output. The user interface240 also includes a voltage display 264 and an amperage display 266,which display the voltage and amperage of the weld process,respectively. For example, the user may utilize the adjustment panel 268by rotating knob 270 to set the desired voltage or amperage of the weldprocess, which is displayed on panels 264 and 266. Still further, theoperator interface includes an arc control panel 272, through which theuser may adjust an arc parameter via rotation of knob 274.

While only certain features of the invention have been illustrated anddescribed herein, many modifications and changes will occur to thoseskilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appendedclaims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fallwithin the true spirit of the invention.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A welding system comprising: an auxiliarypower conductor that in operation carries a combined signal comprisingan alternating current (AC) power signal having a modulated data signalsuperimposed thereon; a power supply unit that outputs welding power atwelding terminals and outputs the AC power signal to the auxiliary powerconductor, wherein the power supply unit is configured to communicatewith a pendant coupled to the auxiliary power conductor via themodulated data signal on the auxiliary power conductor; and the pendantlocated remotely with respect to the power supply unit, wherein thependant receives the AC power signal via the auxiliary power conductor,wherein the pendant is configured to communicate data with the powersupply unit via the modulated data signal on the auxiliary powerconductor.
 2. The welding system of claim 1, wherein the pendantincludes one or more power receptacles configured to output auxiliarypower to one or more auxiliary devices.
 3. The welding system of claim1, wherein the pendant comprises a wire feeder enabled when a MIGprocess or a MIG/flux core process is selected.
 4. The welding system ofclaim 1, wherein the communication of data is bidirectional between thepower supply unit and the pendant.
 5. The welding system of claim 1,wherein the pendant is configured to allow a user to select a weldingprocess and to communicate the selection to the power supply unit viathe auxiliary power conductor.
 6. The welding system of claim 1,comprising a first set of controls located on the power supply unit anda second set of controls located on the pendant, and wherein at leastone of the first set of controls is disabled automatically when thependant is coupled to the power supply unit via the auxiliary powerconductor.
 7. The welding system of claim 1, comprising one or more gassources and one or more gas conduits connected to the one or more gassources.
 8. The welding system of claim 7, wherein the one or more gasconduits supply one or more gases to a welding torch.
 9. A weldingsystem comprising: a power line backbone configured to transmitalternating current (AC) power and exchange data among a plurality ofwelding power supplies by modulating and superimposing the data on theAC power; and the plurality of welding power supplies coupled to thepower line backbone that receive power and exchange data via the powerline backbone.
 10. The welding system of claim 9, wherein at least onewelding power supply of the plurality of welding power supplies isconfigured to output power suitable for welding and auxiliary power topower one or more auxiliary devices.
 11. The welding system of claim 10,wherein the at least one welding power supply of the plurality ofwelding power supplies is configured to exchange data with and providepower to at least one of the one or more auxiliary devices via anauxiliary power conductor.
 12. The welding system of claim 9, comprisingone or more remote control and monitoring stations that exchange datawith the plurality of welding power supplies via the power linebackbone.
 13. The welding system of claim 9, wherein each welding powersupply of the plurality of welding power supplies comprises conversioncircuitry configured to convert incoming power to an auxiliary poweroutput and to a weld power output.
 14. A welding system comprising: apower supply that outputs welding power for a welding application andoutputs alternating current (AC) auxiliary power to power auxiliarydevices via an auxiliary power conductor, wherein the auxiliary powerconductor carries a combined signal comprising the AC auxiliary powerfrom the power supply having, superimposed thereon, data exchanged withthe power supply in operation; and a remote pendant coupled to the powersupply via the auxiliary power conductor and configured to receive theAC auxiliary power from the power supply via the auxiliary powerconductor and to exchange data with the power supply via the sameauxiliary power conductor.
 15. The welding system of claim 14, whereinthe pendant is configured to permit user selection of at least onewelding parameter and to communicate the selection to the power supplyvia the auxiliary power conductor.
 16. The welding system of claim 14,wherein the pendant comprises at least one auxiliary electricalreceptacle into which a power cord for at least one of the auxiliarydevices may be plugged, and the at least one auxiliary electricalreceptacle is configured to output at least a portion of the ACauxiliary power to the at least one of the auxiliary devices.
 17. Thewelding system of claim 14, comprising a first set of controls locatedon the power supply and a second set of controls located on the pendant,and wherein at least one of the first set of controls are disabledautomatically when the pendant is communicatively coupled to the powersupply via the auxiliary power conductor.
 18. The welding system ofclaim 14, wherein the pendant comprises a wire feeder enabled when a MIGprocess or a MIG/flux core process is selected.
 19. The welding systemof claim 14, comprising one or more gas sources and one or more gasconduits connected to the one or more gas sources.
 20. The weldingsystem of claim 19, wherein the one or more gas conduits supply one ormore gases to a welding torch via gas valving located in the powersupply.
 21. A welding system comprising: a power supply that outputswelding power for a welding application; and an auxiliary powerconversion unit located external to the power supply and configured tooutput alternating current (AC) auxiliary power to one or more auxiliarydevices via an auxiliary power conductor, and exchange data via theauxiliary power conductor by superimposing the data on the AC auxiliarypower, wherein the power supply is configured to exchange data with theauxiliary power conversion unit via the same auxiliary power conductor,a control cable, a primary power conduit, or a combination thereof, andwherein the auxiliary power conductor carries at least a combined signalcomprising the AC auxiliary power from the auxiliary power conversionunit having, superimposed thereon, the data exchanged with the auxiliarypower conversion unit.